Skip to main content
Business - Renfrewshire Council
You are in Meetings

Meeting Details

Planning and Climate Change Policy Board
1 Nov 2022 - 13:00 to 15:00
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests
  • Webcast

Documents

Agenda

Agenda
Councillors
Standard Items
Members Development
Members of the Board are invited to attend a briefing session on the Planning Application Process which is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers at 12 noon on 1 November 2022. This briefing  is a hybrid session and arrangements have been made for members to join the meeting remotely should they wish. 
Webcasting of Meeting
This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Convener will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed.  To find the webcast please navigate to

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Convener intimated that this meeting of the Board would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council's internet site.
Hybrid Meeting
Please note that this meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers.  However, it is a hybrid meeting and arrangements have been made for members to join the meeting remotely should they wish.
Section 1 Heading
Finance
Section 1
Members of the Press and Public
Members of the press and public wishing to attend the meeting should report to the customer service centre where they will be met and directed to the meeting.
Apologies
Apologies from members.
Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare an interest in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest.
Councillor McGuire declared an interest in Item 9(e)- Planning Application 22/0345/pp -  in that he had made a public comment regarding the application and indicated that he would leave the meeting during consideration of the item.
1
There was submitted a Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report by the Director of Finance & Resources for the period 1 April to 16 September 2022. 

The report stated that the projected outturn as at 31 March 2023 for all services reporting to this Policy Board was an overspend position of £0.150 million.  There were no capital budget projects reporting to this Policy Board. Summaries were provided over the relevant services in the tables within the report, together with further analysis. It was noted that the projected outturn was based on information currently available and assumptions made by service budget holders. It was also highlighted that revenue budget adjustments totalling £0.006 million, had been processed since the budget had been approved at the meeting of the Council held on 3 March 2022.

DECIDED

(a) That the projected outturn position, detailed in Table1 of the report, be noted; and

(b) That the budget adjustments, detailed in section 4 of the report, be noted.
Section 2 Heading
Climate Change
Section 2
Report by Chief Executive.
2
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the briefing on ‘Scotland’s Councils’ Approach to Addressing Climate Change’ prepared by Audit Scotland.

The report highlighted that the briefing recognised the critical role councils had in helping Scotland achieve its national climate change goals, focusing on actions that needed to be taken in relation to climate change; the need for climate change to be central and integral to all council activity; and the importance of the leadership role of councils in the response to the climate emergency. The briefing looked at activity across all 32 local authorities and identified current gaps and challenges and high level findings, guidance and recommendations in relation to public bodies duties and climate change. The report advised that the Audit Scotland guidance and recommendations had been cross-referenced with Renfrewshire Council’s agreed actions, targets and next steps as detailed in the Plan for net zero, approved at the meeting of this Policy Board held on 23 August 2022. Renfrewshire’s Plan for net zero identified actions which addressed the majority of the key recommendations within the Audit Scotland briefing, including annual phasing with interim targets; open and transparent reporting of progress; costed delivery plans and a separate adaptation plan, with timescales for delivery against each of these. It was acknowledged that there were however, areas that could be strengthened in line with the guidance to improve Renfrewshire’s process, alongside using additional tools recommended by Audit Scotland to support decision-making which would help achieve Renfrewshire’s goal of working towards net zero emissions by 2030 in an open and transparent way. 

It was proposed, following discussion, that a report be submitted to the next meeting of this Policy Board detailing the challenges and actions required in terms of the approved Renfrewshire Plan for net zero should the local target for net zero be revised from 2030 to 2025. This was agreed.

DECIDED

(a) That it be noted that the report provided a summary of Audit Scotland’s high-level findings and recommendations and outlined the alignment with Renfrewshire’s Plan for net zero and related activity;

(b) That the areas which could be strengthened in line with the Audit Scotland guidance and recommendations be noted; and 

(c) That a report be submitted to the next meeting of this Policy Board detailing the challenges and actions required in terms of the approved Renfrewshire Plan for net zero should the local target for net zero be revised from 2030 to 2025.
Report by Chief Executive.
3

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Annual Report detailing progress in mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, which Renfrewshire Council required to prepare in terms of the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015 as amended by the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020.

The report advised that the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 committed Scotland to become net zero by 2045, with the Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting Duties placing a legal requirement on public bodies to set target dates for zero direct emissions and indirect emission reductions; report on how spending and resource would contribute to these targets and report on the contribution to Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme. The statutory reporting template had been updated for 2021/22 as a result of the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020. The deadline for submission, to the Scottish Government, of the Renfrewshire Council Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 was 30 November 2022 and a copy of the annual return was attached as Appendix 1 of the report. The return provided details on the Council’s emissions; activities, plans and strategies undertaken in 2021/22 in relation to climate change and adaptation; and priorities for the year ahead in relation to climate action

The report highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic had had a major impact on Council operations; service delivery; and ways of working across the Council, as well as impacting the behaviour of households and businesses during 2020/21 and 2021/22 and that this had made it difficult to compare values across years in some cases. The impacts on emissions as a result of the pandemic were anticipated to be temporary and Renfrewshire Council remained committed to reducing emissions as an organisation across all areas of operations and service delivery, as well as for the Renfrewshire area as a whole. It was highlighted that overall, Renfrewshire Council’s total emissions had reduced by 29,964tCO2e since the baseline year of 2012/13, a reduction of 56%. 

DECIDED

(a) That the Renfrewshire Council Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report 2021/22, as appended to the report, be approved; and 

(b) That it be noted that the Renfrewshire Council Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report 2021/22 would be submitted to the Scottish Government by the deadline of 30 November 2022.

Section 3 Heading
Development Management & Policy
Section 3
Report by Chief Executive.
4
There was submitted an update report by the Chief Executive relative to the Clyde Climate forest initiative and its delivery in Renfrewshire.

The report advised that the initiative had been developed as part of a wider response to tackling climate change across the Glasgow City Region with the aim of supporting tree planting projects which contributed to a new urban ‘forest’ across the City Region that, in turn, delivered a broad range of climate and ecological benefits. A concordat had been prepared as a basis for formalising the initiative and future commitment from local authority partners. A copy of the concordat was appended to the report.

DECIDED

(a) That the development of the Clyde Climate Forest and role of the initiative in contributing to the Council’s response to climate change be noted; 

(b That the successful delivery of planting events supporting early phases of the initiative within Renfrewshire be noted;

(c) That the Clyde Climate Forest Concordat be approved as a basis for commitment to future phases of the initiative; and

(d) That authority be delegated to the Head of Economy and Development, in consultation with the Convener, to explore delivery of future phases of the initiative, subject to consultation with local communities and stakeholders.

Report by Chief Executive.

 

 

 

5
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) requests agreed at the meeting of this Policy Board held on 16 August 2022, requests to apply a TPO designation to a site at Kirklandneuk Park, Renfrew and further requests for TPO designations which would in due course be submitted to future meetings of this Policy Board for consideration.

The TPO requests submitted were to be considered in terms of the relevant legislation, namely, Section 160 of The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended by the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006, and within the procedures set out in the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation Order and Trees in Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. 

The report provided updates in respect of the TPOs previously agreed in respect of the sites at Old Lane SINC, Erskine and UWS Thornly Park Campus, Paisley. In respect of the trees at UWS Thornly Park Campus, Paisley it was highlighted that the assessment undertaken had identified some trees that definitely merited a TPO 
Designation and trees that possibly merited such a designation. In light of this, the trees definitely meriting a TPO designation and the trees which possibly merited such a designation would now be progressed in line with the Renfrewshire Planning and Development Tree Policy 2022 and the relevant legislation relating to Tree Preservation Orders. 

The report also referred to a number of requests received for the designation of TPOs and advised that, to date, one of the sites involved, at Kirklandneuk Park, Renfrew had been considered, an assessment undertaken details of which were provided within the report, and a recommendation provided in respect of whether a TPO should be made. 

The report recommended that tree preservation orders were made in relation to the site at Kirklandneuk Park, Renfrew and also in relation to specific trees at Thornly Park Campus. 

Furthermore, the report indicated that requests for TPO designations had been received in connection with Dykebar Hospital Grounds; a site in Houston; and a site at Station Road, Bridge of Weir. The report stated that consideration and assessment of these sites would be undertaken and the findings and recommendations submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board.

DECIDED

(a) That it be noted that the TPOs agreed at the meeting of this Policy Board held on 16 August 2022 in respect of the site known as the Old Lane SINC were currently subject to a period of public consultation. 

(b) That it be noted that the Old Lane SINC proposal would be submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board for confirmation or otherwise of the order; 

(c) That the need for a tree preservation order at the site known as Kirklandneuk Park be approved and that it be agreed that officers proceed to prepare the order, serve it on relevant parties and make the order available to the public and seek representations; 

(d) That it be noted that a TPO designation would apply in respect of specific trees at UWS Thornly Park Campus and that officers were preparing the order and would serve it on relevant parties and make the order available to the public and seek representations; and 

(e) That it be noted that consideration and assessment of the sites at woodland at Dykebar Hospital, and the site in Houston and Station Road, Bridge of Weir would be undertaken and the findings and recommendations submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board.
Report by Chief Executive.
6
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to site development briefs prepared in respect of land at Ingliston Drive, Bishopton, a site which formed part of the overall housing land supply in Renfrewshire, and the site of the former Paton’s Mill in Johnstone. Copies of the proposed site development briefs were attached as Appendix 1 of the report. 

The report advised that the site development briefs set out a planning framework for the sites, identifying a number of factors, including site context; site layout and building design; landscaping and boundary treatments; accessibility; sustainable urban drainage; renewables/sustainability; digital connections; affordable housing; education provision; open space provision; and supporting information, that required to be addressed in preparing development proposals for the sites. The report indicated that in the event the site development briefs were approved by the Policy Board arrangements would be made to publish them on the Council’s website, used to guide development proposals for the sites and be a material consideration when considering future planning proposals.

DECIDED: That the site development briefs relating to the sites at Ingliston Drive, Bishopton and the former Paton’s Mill, Johnstone be approved.
Report by Chief Executive.
7

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to site development briefs prepared in respect of the former Quarrelton School, Beith Road, Johnstone and former Village Hall, Houston. A hyperlink was provided to the proposed site development briefs.

The report indicated that the former Quarrelton School site had been identified in a report to the meeting of the former Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board held on 17 August 2021 as a heritage property for which the Council would consider solutions for to return to use. The property was declared surplus by the Council during 2010. In addition, it was highlighted that consideration of the declaration of the former Village Hall, Houston as surplus to the Council’s requirements would be sought at the meeting of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board to be held on 9 November 2022. 

The report advised that the site development briefs set out a planning framework for the sites, identifying a number of factors, including site context; site layout and building design; landscaping and boundary treatments; sustainable urban drainage; and renewables/sustainability that required to be addressed in preparing development proposals for the sites. The report indicated that in the event the site development briefs were approved by the Policy Board arrangements would be made to publish them on the Council’s website, used to guide development proposals for the sites and be a material consideration when considering future planning proposals.

 

DECIDED: That the site development briefs relating to the sites at the former Quarrelton School, Johnstone and Former Village Hall, Houston be approved.


Report by Chief Executive.
8
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to planning and other relevant appeals which were currently under consideration and appeal decisions which had been issued by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA). Appendix 1 of the report detailed all appeals currently under consideration by the DPEA including those related to the refusal of planning permission, listed building consent, advertisement consent and the issuing of a high hedge notice. Appendix 2 of the report detailed appeals determined in the period February to October 2022, or where the Reporter had issued a notice of intention.

The report highlighted that of the recent appeal determinations relating to planning applications, all five appeals had been allowed and planning permission granted, while a sixth appeal was subject to a notice of intention which indicated that the Reporter was minded to issue planning consent subject to conditions and the conclusion of a suitable planning obligation. In addition, it was noted that all appeals determined since February to October 2022, which related to large scale residential developments, had been allowed by the Reporter. Appendix 2 of the report also advised that three appeals had been the subject of a claim for expenses against the 
Council by the appellant, during the period February to October 2022 and provided details.

DECIDED

(a) That the appeals which were currently under consideration by the DPEA and awaiting a decision be noted; and 

(b) That the decisions recently issued by the DPEA in respect of development proposals within Renfrewshire be noted. 
Planning Applications
Members must deal with planning applications in an objective manner to ensure that they cannot be challenged with accusations of bias or predetermination. Votes on planning applications must be seen to be impartial and not influenced by party political issues.
9
There were submitted reports by the Chief Executive relative to the following applications for planning permission that required to be determined by the Board.
Report by Chief Executive.
9(a)
It was proposed that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons within the report and subject to authority being delegated to the Convener and the Depute Convener to approve the content of the Section 75 agreement to be concluded with the applicant in respect of the affordable housing element of the development and specific planning conditions relating to the finished boundary treatment for the site and the protection of Sandieland Wood. This was agreed.

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to (i) the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and (ii) authority being delegated to the Convener and the Depute Convener to approve the content of the Section 75 agreement to be concluded with the applicant in respect of the affordable housing element of the development and specific planning conditions relating to the finished boundary treatment for the site and the protection of Sandieland Wood.
Report by Chief Executive.
9(b)
Councillor MacFarlane, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.

Councillor McNaughtan, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved as an amendment that the application be refused as it was deemed contrary to Policy ENV3 due to the adverse and unacceptable impact on the Conservation area due to its scale.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Adam, Andy Doig and McNaughtan.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Gilmour, N Graham, Hannigan, Hood, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, McGuire, McGurk, Nicolson, Paterson and Smith.

11 members having voted for the motion and 3 members having voted for the amendment, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. 

Report by Chief Executive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9(c)
In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report This was agreed. 

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. 
Report by Chief Executive.
9(d)

Councillor McNaughtan, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 2.10pm and re-convened at 2.15pm,

 

When the meeting re-convened, Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved as an amendment that the application be refused as it was deemed to contravene Policy P1 of the Local Development Plan on the basis that it would be detrimental to road safety in the local area. 

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Andy Doig, Gilmour, Hannigan, Hood, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, McGuire, Paterson and Smith.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, N Graham, McGurk, McNaughtan and Nicolson.

9 members having voted for the amendment and 5 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That the application be refused as it was deemed to contravene Policy P1 of the Local Development Plan on the basis that it would be detrimental to road safety in the local area.

Report by Chief Executive.
9(e)

In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed.

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.

Sederunt

Councillor McGuire re-entered the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

Report by Chief Executive.
9(f)
Councillor McNaughtan, seconded by Councillor McNaughtan, moved that consideration of the application be continued pending a site visit and the provision of additional information relative to SEPA’s analysis/objection of the proposal on flood related matters. This was agreed.

DECIDED: That consideration of the application be continued pending a site visit and the provision of additional information relative to SEPA’s analysis/objection of the proposal on flood related matters.
Section 4 Heading
Section 4
Section 5 Heading
Section 5
Section 6 Heading
Section 6
Section 7 Heading
Section 7
Section 8 Heading
Section 8

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
Councillor Jamie McGuire9(e)Declared an interest in Item 9(e) 22/0345/pp Planning Application in that he had made a public comment regarding the application.Non-Pecuniaryindicated that he would leave the meeting during consideration of the item.

Visitors

Visitor Information is not yet available for this meeting

Webcast



This link will take you to an external website, the content displayed is managed and hosted externally to CMIS. Please note that the webcast may not be immediately available due to third party synchronisation delays.